It all began as a simple idea of starting a small scale vegetable garden on a small piece of land on Acacia Cresent in the suburbs of Victoria Falls. Dave Cooper, a retired accountant wanted to venture into the unchartered territory and pursue a new passion. What ensued was a vision to provide fresh vegetables for the local market.
The building process which began in July last year was laborious. Putting the project together was an arduous task, considering the equipment such as the green house materials and hydroponics equipment, which needed to be mobilised in order to get the scheme going. By January 2016, the first seeds were planted.
Two methods for growing vegetables are used; traditional soil beds and a subset of hydroculture called hydroponics, which is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil. Hydroponics relies on fertilized and aerated water which provides both nutrition and oxygen to a plant’s root zone. He utilises the Ebb and flow method whereby the hydroponic solution alternately floods the system and is allowed to ebb away. Although some of his plants are grown with their roots in the mineral solution only, others are grown in an inert medium, such as perlite or gravel.
Since its inception, Dave’s project has taken off. The lucid verdure that enshrouds his plot chronicles the success of both methods.
Dave grows tomatoes, cucumbers, asparagus, lettuce, peppers, pakchoi, cabbage, onions, carrots and a variety of herbs and micro herbs. These are just some of the vegetables on offer. From the produce, Dave also makes jams, pickles, and a variety of sauces, chutney and spicy foods.
A nursery which is still budding has been added to the mix. It includes shrubs, flowers, indigenous plants and trees and a full array of succulents. As such the project has not only become a one stop shop for vegetables, but also for all gardening requirements.
“I consider myself a trainee gardener. I learn something new every day as my vision continues to unfold” said Dave.
The project now supplies hotels, lodges, supermarkets and individuals with fresh vegetables. Individuals are also free to roam the vegetable haven to select the greens of their choice. This facility offers a great opportunity for chefs, mums and health conscious individuals to pick out fresh yield at its source.
Dave is optimistic about the future of his mega garden and is riding on the success he has enjoyed thus far. He hopes to increase his product offering while continuing to provide fresh quality goods.
Well done Dave !! Long may your success continue! ????
Great work Dave
Wonderful to see your hard work has borne fruit. I lived at the Falls in the 70’s and didn’t grow anything though loved to see what would grow. Am now a keen vegetable gardener and grow enough for ourselves. If I ever return to the Falls I’d love to visit your garden.
Annette Gibbons
Hi Dave,
Is this the Dave Cooper who went to Chaplin?
Fascinated by your growing mediums and infrastructure. I wonder what Dave’s return on capital calculations are? Lovely to see a green oasis.
Dave, I have been thinking about the Vic Falls dump. Here in Harare we dont throw out any organic waste. We have a bucket in the kitchen and it all goes onto a compost heap and worm farm. We have a few chickens that benefit. Imagine all the kitchen waste from the hotels going onto a worm farm and being turned into rich compost along with elephant dung for your project. The worms could go to fishing or a small fish farm. Nembwe fingerlings could be fattened for the pan etc. I know you would need a fence for Hyena and a roof for monkeys could also be Fencing. I have recently built a big roller for a friend. The compost goes in and the roller is turned every few days and then watered. The water flows out into a sump for a pond or garden.
Cheers Steve Tucker. P.S. We just made the mosaic outdoor furniture for the De Leo”s at the new Bantonka Lodge. We are looking for an Agent in The Falls. check out our web page http://www.mosaicartbyingrid.com
Finally, Dave, you are getting some publicity. What an impressive place, lots of hard work and investment. We trust it continues to grow. Did so enjoy your vegetables on a daily basis for six weeks. Keep it up; great idea and oasis on Acacia Crescent which should be seen by all. Look forward to seeing you next year. Kind Regards, Rick/JoAnn
Good for you Dave, wish you every success! I’m in Durban and if I can help you locate anything you need, just shout!